INDEX FOSSIL

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does index fossil mean? 

• INDEX FOSSIL (noun)
  The noun INDEX FOSSIL has 1 sense:

1. a fossil known to have lived in a particular geologic age that can be used to date the rock layer in which it is found

  Familiarity information: INDEX FOSSIL used as a noun is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• INDEX FOSSIL (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A fossil known to have lived in a particular geologic age that can be used to date the rock layer in which it is found

Classified under:

Nouns denoting natural objects (not man-made)

Synonyms:

guide fossil; index fossil

Hypernyms ("index fossil" is a kind of...):

fossil (the remains (or an impression) of a plant or animal that existed in a past geological age and that has been excavated from the soil)